Thrilled Nan gets MBE for helping troubled kids

Nan Robertson, who dedicated 43 years of her life to voluntary work with vulnerable kids, said she was “truly humbled” to be presented with the prestigious award during a ceremony at Holyrood Palace, in Edinburgh.

Pleased as punch: Nan Robertson and her husband Neil are pictured at Holyrood Palace

A caring gran enjoyed a right royal day to remember as she received a MBE from the Queen for a lifetime’s service to helping troubled youngsters.

Nan Robertson, who dedicated 43 years of her life to voluntary work with vulnerable kids, said she was “truly humbled” to be presented with the prestigious award during a ceremony at Holyrood Palace, in Edinburgh.

She became a member of Renfrewshire Children’s Panel when it was created in 1971 and rose to the rank of chairwoman of the panel’s Advisory Committee, which recruits, trains, maintains and re-appoints panel members, until her retirement last year.

Nan, who lives in Howwood with her husband Neil, told the Paisley Daily Express she was so nervous before the ceremony at Holyrood Palace that her “knees were knocking”.

She said: “I am very humbled by this award. I did my voluntary work to help kids, not for self-gratification, and I have never heard of anyone in the Paisley area’s care system being given recognition for this.

“I am truly humbled because it was people in the care system and the Scottish Government who put my name forward. It’s wonderful that they have thought of me in this way.

“When my husband Neil and I went through to Holyrood Palace, it was a beautiful summer’s day and it felt like a fairytale.

“My nerves got the better of me as we queued for the presentation. My knees were knocking and I thought, ‘I’m never going to be able to walk over there and meet the Queen.’

“Then one of the bodyguards told me to keep my head up straight and go forward.

“When I walked forward, the Queen pinned the medal on me and said, ‘I understand you work with children’.

“I told her I was with the Children’s Panel, relative to Scotland, as we don’t have juvenile courts.

“The Queen smiled at me and said, ‘I am sure you have helped many children over the years’.

“I felt it was a beautiful thing to say.”

Mum-of-two Nan, who also has two grandchildren, said it was a thrill to meet Her Majesty.

She added: “The Queen was so nice. What a charming and beautiful lady she is.”

Nan, 73, is now enjoying her retirement with hubby Neil by keeping busy in the garden, reading and visiting friends and family.

Neil, 74, said: “Nan has always been very dedicated to her work with the Children’s Panel. I am very proud that she has received the MBE.”